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Donald Macleod Offenbach's final opera, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, which he began in 1877, and which occupied him for the rest of his life.

Offenbach began writing his final operatic statement, "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" in 1877. The project was to occupy him for the rest of his life. For the first time ever he worked slowly, deliberating carefully over the music.The result of his labour was to be his most profound opera, but tragically he was to die before completing it, so that task was handed over to Ernest Guiraud. The premiere took place at the Opéra-Comique on 10th February, 1881 and ran for more than a hundred performances in its first season. Presented by Donald Macleod.

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Fri 28 Dec 2012 12:00

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Music Played

  • Jacques Offenbach

    Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Act 2 Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour

    Performers: Huguette tourangeau (Nicklausse), Joan Sutherland (Giulietta), Chorus and Orchestra of the Radio Suisse Romande, Richard Bonynge (conductor)

    • Decca 4176332.
    • 17.
  • Jacques Offenbach

    Belle Lurette: Ce fut a Londres

    Performers: Yvonne Kenny (Soprano), Loic Felix (Tenor), London Philharmonic Orchestra, David Parry (conductor)

    • Opera Rara: ORR 243.
    • 16.
  • Jacques Offenbach

    Les Conte D'Hoffmann - Act 1

    Performers: Joan Sutherland (Olympia), Chorus and Orchestra of Suisse Romande, Richard Bonynge (Conductor)

    • Decca: 4173632.
    • 9.
  • Jacques Offenbach

    Act 3 Tu ne Chanteras plus...sais-tu quel sacrifice

    Perofrmers:Gabriel Bacquier (Miracle), Joan Sutherland (Atonia), Margarita Lilowa (La voix), Chorus and Orchestra of the Suisse Romande, Richard Bonynge (Conductor)

    • Decca: 4173632.
    • 9.
  • Jacques Offenbach

    Les Contes D'Hoffmann - Epilogue: Adieu! Je Ne Veux Pas Te Survive

    Performers: Placido Domingo (Hoffmann), Gabriel Bacquier (Lindorf), Huguette Tourangeau (Nicklausse), Joan Sutherland (Stella), Orchestra of the Suisse Romande, Richard Bonynge (conductor)

    • Decca:4173632.
    • 2.

Broadcast

  • Fri 28 Dec 2012 12:00

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